Some tips to help your family come up with a plan to make co-parenting more manageable and your child’s online learning a success.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since COVID-19 changed the world.
As things began to slow down or shut down in person, the online and virtual space ramped up.
One of the biggest changes that came along with that? A crash course in virtual school for parents, teachers and kids.
Some parents were also simultaneously working from home themselves (and some still are!) while also trying to navigate their child/children’s online school curriculum.
This sudden push into virtual school is especially challenging for families and parents who are going through divorce and/or parent’s who are continuing to co-parent through the one year mark of COVID-19.
By implementing a few different things, co-parenting and online learning can both coexist peacefully and help increase your child/children’s success in school.
Have a Routine
Create an ongoing list of all classes and assignments for each household so that both parents can seamlessly start where the other left off. Checklists can be especially helpful for pick ups or drop offs so that all of the necessary school materials go with the child each time
Clarify Expectations with the School
How much screen or Zoom time is required? Are there certain time frames when they need to be online or can they work on their own if it’s more beneficial. This is especially important for children with any type of learning disability. Check with the teacher to get suggestions or additional help if your child needs it
Create a Learning Space
A quiet area (if possible) that’s specifically designated for school/learning time in each home. It doesn’t have to be a separate room or office necessarily, but a familiar space where they recognize it’s time to transition into learning. Keep all of their school supplies within reach so they’re easily accessible
Set Some Goals
Focus on goals and give positive reinforcement when they meet them. In a difficult situation, it can be easy to focus on the negative or challenging aspects. By setting goals for milestones to reach, it offers a positive connotation with virtual learning. Encourage your child or children to write down and share the goals with their other parent and keep track as they go from each house. A fun, separate notebook or folder is a great way to keep them all together
Keep Communication Going
It’s important to not only maintain great communication with your child and ex-spouse throughout the virtual learning process, but also with their teacher or school. This is especially important if you feel that your child is having difficulty with one subject or assignment more than another
Take Breaks
Allow some time for exercise or getting the “wiggles” out. It’s difficult for some adults to sit through long Zoom meetings, let alone a child. If going outside for a little while isn’t an option, try some other simple activities just for a brief change of pace
Give Yourself (and your Children) Some Credit
And give yourselves lots of grace. This is an incredibly challenging time and everyone is doing the best they can to navigate things right now.
Adding co-parenting on top of dealing with a global pandemic adds an extra challenging layer to things, but by preparing the best you can and working as a team, your family can make the best out of the situation.
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